Xenophobia and discrimination: Consequences for latinx immigrants and pathways to restoration & healing

Abstract

The United States is often conceptualized as a country of immigrants, with an origin story of multicultural, multilingual, diverse foreign-born populations coming together to create the fabric of the nation. This narrative emerges through many domains of American society, frequently depicting an image of opportunity for all. Yet historically and contemporarily, immigration has been racialized and wrought with oppressive practices and policies. Research has shown that white Americans tend to define "American" as synonymous with "white" and subsequently perceive those who appear phenotypically not white (e.g., darker skin tones) as "less American." This phenomenon is reflected in immigration policy and lived experiences of minoritized immigrants. Vast theoretical and empirical literature documents the deleterious consequences of discrimination across domains of physical (e.g., hypertension, compromised immune functioning) and psychological health (e.g., ethno-racial trauma, depression). While it is critical to highlight the harmful effects of racism and xenophobia on immigrant well-being, the intent of this article is to also explore how indigenous, restorative healing practices may help communities and individuals heal from xenophobia and discrimination. Thus, the aim of this piece is twofold; (1) briefly discuss and contextualize the systems of oppression impacting immigrants, specifically Latinx communities in the United States, and (2) provide a framework for restoration and radical healing for Latinx immigrants.

Keywords: Critical consciousness; Discrimination; Ethnic-racial identity; Healing; Immigration; Indigenous ways of knowing; Latinx; Racism; Restoration; Restorative practices; Trauma; Xenophobia.